Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

IMPORTANCE Current prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the US is not well established; however, based on cohort and survey data, in 2007-2010 the estimated prevalence of at least mild OSA (defined as an apnea-hypoxia index [AHI] >= 5) plus symptoms of daytime sleepiness among adults aged 30 to 70 years was 14% for men and 5% for women, and the estimated prevalence of moderate to severe OSA (defined as AHI >= 15) was 13% for men and 6% for women. Severe OSA is associated with increased all-cause mortality. Other adverse health outcomes associated with untreated OSA include cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular events, type 2 diabetes, cognitive impairment, decreased quality of life, and motor vehicle crashes. OBJECTIVE To update its 2017 recommendation, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review to evaluate the benefits and harms of screening for OSA in adults. POPULATION Asymptomatic adults (18 years or older) and adults with unrecognized symptoms of OSA. EVIDENCE ASSESSMENT The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for OSA in the general adult population. RECOMMENDATION The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for OSA in the general adult population. (I statement)

Automated summary

The estimated prevalence of at least mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the US is 14% for men and 5% for women, while the estimated prevalence of moderate to severe OSA is 13% for men and 6% for women. Severe OSA is associated with increased all-cause mortality and other adverse health outcomes. The US Preventive Services Task Force concludes that there is insufficient evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for OSA in the general adult population.